Day: April 17, 2025

Berlin: The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources highlighted its ongoing efforts to advance the energy transition in Jordan during its participation in Germany Training Week, held from April 14 to 17. The event brought together representatives from the Jordanian industrial sector, project developers, policymakers, and energy service providers under the framework of Jordanian-German energy cooperation.

According to Jordan News Agency, the Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the Director of the Energy Transition Directorate, Engineer Yacoub Marar, delivered a detailed presentation outlining the legislative framework for the green hydrogen sector in Jordan. The presentation also reviewed key initiatives launched by the Ministry to support green hydrogen as a strategic component of the country’s future energy mix.

As part of the training program, engineers Haneen Ahmad and Reem Al-Bazour from the Ministry’s Green Hydrogen Department participated in technical sessions organized by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). These sessions focused on the technical and economic dimensions of producing green hydrogen and its derivatives, in addition to methods of transport and storage.

According to the statement, the Ministry’s participation in the event underscores its commitment to enhancing technical expertise and accelerating the transition toward sustainable energy. The training provided a platform to exchange knowledge with international partners and to learn from global best practices in renewable energy, particularly in the fast-developing field of green hydrogen.

Amman: Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Touqan signed a £31 million grant agreement with the Government of the Netherlands to finance the Aqaba-Amman National Water Carrier Project, aimed at enhancing Jordan’s long-term water security.

According to Jordan News Agency, the agreement was signed by Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, Harry Verweij, representing the CEO of Invest International, a Dutch state-owned development financier. The signing was witnessed by Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud and Suad Farsi, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Representative in Jordan. The EIB will manage the grant under the Water Sector Fund.

Ambassador Verweij underscored the importance of diversifying Jordan’s water sources through desalination, emphasizing the Netherlands’ role as a leader in water management and technology. He noted the project’s potential to secure future water supplies and support economic growth in Jordan, particularly for vulnerable communities.

EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti stated that the Dutch contribution highlights a mutual commitment to water resilience. She emphasized the Water Sector Fund’s critical role in financing essential projects and enhancing access to sustainable water resources in Jordan.

Petra Vernooij, Director of Public Sector at Invest International, stressed the importance of collaboration in strengthening Jordan’s water security. She cited the project as a response to water challenges exacerbated by regional conflicts and climate change, reflecting a commitment to global challenges through innovation and cooperation.

Minister Raed Abu Saud noted the project’s alignment with royal directives and strategic plans, aiming to desalinate 300 million cubic meters of water. This initiative seeks to address the national water deficit and alleviate pressure on natural water resources, benefiting around 4 million citizens.

Touqan expressed gratitude towards the Dutch government and Invest International for their support through the European Green Economy Team initiative, highlighting its significance in securing sustainable water sources and bolstering national economic growth.

The project involves desalinating Red Sea water from the Gulf of Aqaba to supply drinking water to Amman and Aqaba, as well as other governorates along the pipeline, including Ma’an, Tafilah, Karak, and Madaba.

Gaza: The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 40 people were killed and 73 others injured over the past 24 hours as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

According to Jordan News Agency, in its daily statistical report, the Ministry stated that many victims remain under the rubble and in the streets, where ambulances and civil defense teams have been unable to reach them.

The Ministry confirmed that the total death toll has risen to 51,065, with 116,505 injuries recorded since October 7, 2023.

It also clarified that since March 18, 1,691 people have been killed and 4,464 injured.

Amman: The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Supply has announced an international tender for the purchase of 100,000 to 120,000 tons of barley. Interested parties are invited to obtain the tender documents, which include all terms and technical specifications, from the Ministry’s Tender Department for a non-refundable fee of JD650.

According to Jordan News Agency, the deadline for bid submissions is set for 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. To be eligible, bidders must provide a copy of a valid professional license, a commercial register certificate issued within 30 days prior to the bid opening, and a valid registration from the Chamber of Commerce.

Amman: The Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) ended Thursday’s trading session with a slight decline of 0.05 percent, closing at 2,539 points.

According to Jordan News Agency, trading activity saw around 6.3 million shares exchanged, with a total value of approximately JD 10.3 million, across 2,296 transactions.

An analysis of the day’s results showed that share prices of 30 companies rose, while 22 saw their share prices fall. The share prices of 27 other companies remained unchanged.

Ajloun: The Jordan Free and Development Zones Group announced the resumption of the Ajloun cable car’s operations on Thursday morning, following the completion of the first phase of scheduled periodic maintenance.

According to Jordan News Agency, the maintenance was conducted under the direct supervision of Doppelmayr, a global leader in cable car manufacturing and operations. In a statement, the Group’s General Manager, Mohammed Wakid, said that the maintenance is part of ongoing preventive measures aimed at ensuring the highest levels of safety for visitors. He emphasized the cable car’s significance as a major tourism attraction in northern Jordan and the first of its kind in the Kingdom.

Wakid noted that this season’s maintenance’s second and final phase will be carried out from April 21 to 23. The phased approach was adopted to maintain accessibility throughout the tourist season. The cable car connects the Al-Sawwan area to scenic locations in the Ajloun Highlands, offering panoramic views of forests and meadows, particularly appealing during spring.

The administration also invited the public to join celebrations for Jordanian National Flag Day, which had been postponed due to the temporary suspension of operations. Festivities will take place near the cable car site, honoring this national occasion.